Cirrus introduces black 'doseBadge'

Cirrus Research plc, the UK company which specialises in the design and development of noise measurement equipment, has introduced a new matt black version of its doseBadge personal noise dosemeter, designed specifically for companies looking for an inconspicuous way to measure personal noise levels.

Demand for doseBadges from the entertainment sector is high, due to the Updated Noise at Work regulations, which came into force in 2008. Under these regulations, employers in the entertainment industry are now required to manage the risk to their employees caused by excessive noise.

Apart from the entertainment sector, the new black doseBadge has also found favour with security companies, the police force and the emergency services, but is suitable for any application where a less visible personal noise measurement solution is needed.

"The doseBadge has proved really popular with musicians and orchestras, but because it is silver it shows up when it is used in concerts where the musicians wear black, which is why we have released a matt black version, which is much less visible!" said James Tingay, Group Marketing Manager of Cirrus Research plc.

"It has the same robust, yet lightweight metal construction and self-contained design as its silver cousin, with no external controls, fragile displays, cables or microphones and is a system which can withstand the most hostile of working environments. The wearer can't break it by knocking or dropping it. They can't catch it on anything, or disconnect it from its power supply. In fact its operation cannot be impeded in anyway, either deliberately or accidentally. The result is that doseBadges can be used to assess the risk of noise induced hearing loss and help organisations comply with noise at work regulations, with total reliability, year after year."

The doseBadge system is usually supplied as a complete measurement kit, including doseBadges, a reader unit, an 'intelligent' charger with a charge point for each doseBadge, a power supply and software, contained in a robust carrying case. Each doseBadge contains a high performance, rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery, an internal microphone and an electronic system which measures and logs the noise data. This is housed in a robust metal case which protects the microphone and electronics.

The doseBadge is controlled via an infra-red link, by a reader unit with a large, easy to read display. Software is supplied as standard to allow the user to configure the system, download data and produce measurement reports. doseBadges can be configured to meet any worldwide requirement or regulation including the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive or the OSHA Regulations which apply to America.

As with all Cirrus equipment, the doseBadge is covered by Cirrus' industry leading 12 year warranty. This provides an initial 24-month warranty which can be extended up to 12 years if the equipment is serviced and recalibrated by Cirrus every 12 months. Free backup and support, including license-free software and updates, is provided with every Cirrus noise measurement product.

Cirrus Research plc has over 30 years experience of the design and manufacture of noise measurement instruments and is accredited to ISO9001:2008. During that time, the company has developed a reputation for producing robust, practical equipment which can perform in real situations. All Cirrus equipment is made in the UK and the company is responsible for all after sales service and calibration work. Spare parts and support are therefore always available.

The CK:821C Sound Level Meter Kit, from Cirrus Research is a
comprehensive and easy to use kit for noise measurement applications

Cirrus Research, is offering a simple and comprehensive option for Noise at work and Environmental noise monitoring solutions; the CK:821C Sound Level Meter Kit.  Designed, manufactured and supported in the UK, these kits are easy to use and are supplied with everything required for most noise measuring applications.

Each kit is supplied with a CR:812C Sound level meter, a calibrator, windshield, licence-free Deaf Defier3 software and manuals, as well as Cirrus' industry leading 2-12 year guarantee. This enables Cirrus' standard 2 year warranty to be extended by ten years, at no additional cost, provided that the instrument is serviced and recalibrated annually by either Cirrus Research plc or by an authorised service centre. An optional weatherproof kit is also available, which enables the sound level meter to be used outdoors for up to seven days.

The CR:821C Sound Level Meter is available in Class 1 accuracy and complies with the latest IEC 61672 measurement standard as well as IEC 60651 and IEC 60804. Data logging of up to 1300 measurements is now possible, and outdoor measurement kits are available for unattended environmental noise monitoring with remote access via an optional outdoor measurement kit and GSM modem.

Other features of the CR:821C include data download to a PC via a USB connection and free lifetime updates to the Deaf Defier3 software. The meter also includes 1:1 Octave Band Filters, which support the selection of hearing protection (PPE), using Cirrus' Deaf Defier3 software which is supplied as standard.

"Our CK: 821C sound level meter kits are an ideal choice for professional noise measurement applications, from Noise at Work risk assessment to environmental noise measurements", said James Tingay of Cirrus Research. "Powerful, robust, and easy to use, these sound level meters will help organisations keep within the letter of the law with regard to noise safety and, in the case of workplace noise, help users to select appropriate ear protection."

For further information, e-mail: gill.cussons@cirrusresearch.co.uk or view website: www.cirrusresearch.co.uk

Royal visitor for revolutionary company

Many thousands of people worldwide owe their lives and livelihoods to a Rotherham company they have probably never heard of. And, in South Yorkshire, it all started in one man's garage.

In its field, however, CCPI Europe Ltd is a nationally and internationally recognised specialist in temperature technology - as HRH the Duke of Kent learned when he visited the company this week.

Formerly Consolidated Ceramic Products Inc, US-owned CCPI is a specialist in temperature calibration and manufacturing equipment that measures temperatures, used in a range of engineering and manufacturing activities. They include calibrating temperature-sensing cable used in testing Rolls-Royce jet engines that keep countless aircraft, and their countless passengers, safe.

The Duke of Kent is a strong champion of British business, home and abroad, and CCPI is an exporting success for Britain.

On a visit to Rotherham he toured the company's new HQ at Vector 31 Business Park, Wales Bar, and the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre at Waverley.

He saw how CCPI manufactures mineral-insulated temperature sensors down to sizes as small as 0.5mm diameter and how the UKAS-accredited laboratory conducts calibrations and calibrates sensors giving uncertainties of measurement as tiny as +/-0.004 deg C. That's vital when the highest-quality measurements are required by CCPI customers manufacturing state-of-the-art aerospace components.

CCPI is increasing accuracies and lowering uncertainties of measurement in the field of thermal metrology and bringing the latest developments in temperature measurement technology into industry today.

Its laboratory works across the temperature range 200-1600 degrees Celsius and has some of the best accuracies for the testing and calibration of thermocouples in the UK. With the recent addition of Cobalt Carbon fixed point to its range of fixed points, the CCPI has reduced uncertainties of measurement by over 60% in the temperature range up to 1350 Celsius.

The Rotherham company is the European arm of CCPI Inc, launched in 1957 by Walter Mickey, in Blanchester, Ohio - a home of wrestling in the USA - and now a global player run by Walter's son, Bruce Mickey, as chief executive officer.

The South Yorkshire offshoot was started by Fred Knight in 1984, because he believed the company had a future in the UK and Europe. So strong was his belief that he started a one-man operation in his garage. From that it has grown to employ more than 50 people, headed by managing director Keith Hicks.

Apart from Rolls-Royce, other customers supported by its detailed work include the Bodycote [correct] International Group - CCPI Europe helped the company solve a problem, and went on to win contracts for the UK, France and then The Americas - and most of the UK's heat-treatment companies, such as GKN, TTI and GE. In the glass industry, it helps support companies such as Rockware, and in engineering and steel Forgemaster and Corus. End-users include Volvo.

For further information, e-mail: clark.herron@rido.org.uk